Tablets Shifting In 2014

Diversity of tablets in fragmentation indicators are expected to grow. According to Pew Research, for the first time, a third (34%) of American adults ages 18 and older own a tablet computer like an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus, or Kindle Fire — almost twice as many as the 18 percent who owned a tablet a year ago.

Intel recently announced last month its launch in Applebee’s. The company will deploy 100,000 E la Carte Presto tablets on every table and multiple bar positions at more than 1,800 Applebee’s® restaurants in the United States by the end of next year. Powered by an Intel® Atom™ processor, these rugged tablets feature all-day battery, an illuminated credit card reader, and are designed to withstand the spills and bumps of a restaurant environment.

The Presto tablet is equipped with the latest in technology, including Bluetooth, cameras and NFC (near field communication) chips to transition to opportunities for mobile wallet and mobile phone interaction and more. According to Applebee’s, the tablets will let guests pay at their table, add additional drinks, desserts and other menu items to their order, and allow them to play a selection of games. During the next 18 months, the company said it intends to add video streaming, music, additional games, social media interaction, sharing, gift card sales, and more.

"One of the things that is especially interesting about tablet adoption compared to some of the patterns of other devices we've studied is how these technologies’ growth has played out between different age groups," Research Analyst Kathryn Zickuhr said. "With smartphones, for instance, we’ve seen a very strong correlation with age where most younger adults own smartphones, regardless of income level. But when it comes to tablets, adults in their thirties and forties are now significantly more likely than any other age group to own this device."

"Attraction shifted from 9 and 10-inch tablets down to smaller 7-inch tablets," Geoff Blaber, vice president of research at CCS Insight said to Intel. "But we’re watching out for it to shift back up to larger screen sizes over the next few years, especially if we see a clamor for the 2 in 1 device proposition," stated Blaber.

Worldwide smart connected device value is expected to be $622.4 billion in 2013, of which $423.1 billion will come from the sub-$350 smartphone and sub-$350 tablet segments collectively. "At a time when the smartphone and tablet markets are showing early signs of saturation, the emergence of lower-priced devices will be a game-changer," said Megha Saini, Research Analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker. "Introducing new handsets and tablet devices at cheaper price points along with special initiatives like trade-in programs from Apple and BestBuy will accelerate the upgrade cycle and expand the total addressable market overnight."